When your Dodge Ram is stuck and won’t move, no matter what gear you try, it’s really frustrating.
However, this means you’ve got a serious problem, whether you use your truck daily or only sometimes.
If you think the transmission is causing the issue, you’re probably right—but there could be more going on.
I’ll help you figure out what’s wrong and tell you about some fixes you can try before doing expensive transmission repairs.
Why Your Dodge Ram Won’t Move In Any Gear?
If your Dodge Ram won’t move in any gear, it could be due to issues like clogged filters, an incorrect fluid pickup tube assembly, faulty gaskets, improper torque converter installation, burned clutches, loose filters, pump failure, or debris. All of these problems can block fluid flow and pressure, preventing the truck from moving.
1. Clogged Filters
Blocked transmission cooler return and sump filters hinder fluid flow, preventing the torque converter from engaging properly. This causes the truck to behave as if the clutch were pressed in, unable to move in any gear.
2. Improper Fluid Pickup Tube Assembly
If not correctly positioned, the fluid pickup tube draws in air instead of fluid, leading to reduced hydraulic pressure. Without sufficient pressure, the transmission clutches and gears cannot engage, resulting in the truck’s inability to move.
3. Faulty Transmission Gasket
A poorly fitted transmission gasket causes fluid leaks, reducing pressure needed for gear engagement. This can cause slipping gears or complete transmission failure, rendering the truck immobile.
4. Incomplete Torque Converter Installation
Improperly installed torque converters fail to engage with the transmission’s hydraulic system, causing a lack of pressure and preventing the truck from moving in any gear.
5. Burned Clutches and Contaminated Fluid
Overheating can burn transmission clutches, leaving debris that contaminates the fluid. This debris clogs filters and fluid pathways, reducing hydraulic pressure and causing the truck to stop moving.
6. Loose Transmission Filter
A loose filter allows air into the hydraulic system, disrupting pressure and preventing proper clutch and band engagement, resulting in the truck’s inability to move.
7. Transmission Pump Failure
If the transmission pump fails to circulate fluid or maintain hydraulic pressure, the truck cannot engage gears, necessitating a rebuild or replacement to restore functionality.
8. Debris Damage
Debris accumulation within the transmission restricts fluid flow and reduces hydraulic pressure needed for clutch engagement, causing the truck to be immobile.
How To Fix Your Dodge Ram That Won’t Move In Gear?
To get the truck moving, you can change the pump and filter. For other problems like blocked filters, wrong fluid tube, bad gasket, torque converter issues, burnt clutches, dirty fluid, loose filter, or debris, see a mechanic. They may need to rebuild the whole transmission if other parts are damaged.
Replacing Transmission Pump And Sump Filter
These steps apply to the 8HP75 but can also work with older Dodge Ram 1500 transmissions.
You can also use them with other Dodge trucks like the Ram 2500 with the 68RFE transmission.
While you’re at it, look at the sump filter, as well as all the other ones. You can refill the fluid along the way, as well.
- Unhook the battery.
- Lift the truck and place it on stands.
- Drain the fluid from the transmission.
- Remove the transmission pan.
- Take off the valve body.
- Open the front cover to reach the oil pump.
- Unbolt and remove the old pump.
- Put in the new pump and bolt it down.
- Remove the old filter and put the new one in place.
- Move any needed parts from the old pan to the new one.
- Attach a new if needed and tighten bolts to 12Nm (metal) or 10Nm (plastic).
- Reattach the valve body and pan.
- Refill with new fluid, start the engine.
- Shift through gears to circulate; check fluid level at 35-40°C.
Final Thoughts
Don’t sweat it too much. Your Dodge Ram’s been through worse. Once you get it running, you’ll forget all about this headache. Take it easy and don’t rush. You’ll be back on the road before you know it.
